Nose And Paranasal Sinuses Short Question And Answers

Describe the Maxillary Nerve under the following headings. (or) Maxillary air sinus

• Origin, Course, Branches, Distribution, Applied anatomy

Maxillary Nerve Origin:

• It arises from the trigeminal ganglion

Maxillary Nerve Course:

• It runs forwards in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus below the ophthalmic nerve
• Leaves the middle cranial fossa by passing through the foramen rotundum
• It crosses the upper part of Pterygopalatine fossa
• Next it continues as the infraorbital nerve

Read And Learn More: BDS Previous Examination Question And Answers

Branches and their distribution:

1. In middle cranial fossa:

• Middle meningeal nerve to supply dura

2. In pterygopalatine fossa:

1. Zygomatic nerve
   • Passes anteriorly & laterally
   • Divides into
     1. Zygomaticofacial nerve- Pierces the orbicularis oris & supplies prominence of cheek
     2. Zygomaticotemporal nerve
        • Enters temporal fossa & supplies skin over the anterior temporal fossa region
2. Pterygopalatine nerve: Branches:
   1. Orbital branches- By means of inferior orbital fissure, supplies periosteum of orbit, posterior ethamoid cells & sphenoid sinus
   2. Nasal branches: Divides into posterior superior lateral & medial or septal branches
3. Palatine branches: Descends in pterygopalatine canal, divides into
   1. Greater or anterior palatine- supply hard palate
   2. Middle palatine-Sensory to soft palate
   3. Posterior palatine- Supplies mucous membrane to tonsil

3. Posterior superior alveolar nerve:

• Divides into many branches & descends downward to supply maxillary molars & their supporting gingivae

4. Branches in infraorbital groove & canal:

1. Middle superior alveolar nerve:
   • Supplies posterior part of maxillary sinus
   • Descends downward
   • Divides & supplies maxillary bicuspids
2. Anterior superior alveolar nerve:
   • Descend & divides
   • Supplies maxillary anteriors

5. Terminal branches on face:

1. Inferior palpebral- Supplies lower eyelid
2. External or lateral nasal- Supplies side of nose
3. Superior labial- Supplies upper lip

Maxillary Nerve Applied Anatomy:

• It carries the afferent limb fibres of the sneeze reflex
• Trigeminal neuralgia affecting maxillary nerve produces symptoms in the area of its distribution
• The nerve can be anaesthesized at the foramen rotundum